Comedy Central UK is to pilot a British version of historical comedy format Drunk History – the first time the channel has reversioned a show which airs on its US sister network.

The Viacom-backed broadcaster has commissioned Endemol-owned indie Tiger Aspect to produce a 30-minute pilot of the comedy show which, if picked up, will air early next year.

Drunk History features two comedians who get drunk before recounting several stories from history – which are re-enacted by other comedy actors.

The US version, which has reached its third series, features events including the meeting between Elvis Presley and Richard Nixon (video below), Al Capone contracting syphilis and the Watergate scandal. Each 30-minute episode includes several historical tales.

Jimmy Carr is to narrate the UK pilot which will include yet-to-be confirmed stories played out by Dustin Demri-Burns, Tom Rosenthal, Mat Horne and Rob Beckett.

The Drunk History format is based on a series of web videos created by Derek Waters and Jeremy Konner for online portal Funny or Die.

Drunk History UK has been commissioned by Lourdes Diaz, vice president and head of global production and development.

“The show is already a smash hit in the US and I’m sure our UK audience will love this local version too. I can’t wait to see some of our most loved comedians attempt to recall some of history’s greatest moments in a totally inebriated state,” she said.

It will be produced by Ben Rogers, directed by Tom McKay and exec produced by Tiger Aspect’s Andy Brereton, Comedy Central’s Jill Offman, Joe McVey and Diaz.

“They say history is written by the winners, but on this show it’s written by the wasted. It’s an absolute honour to be making Drunk History for Comedy Central. I’m sure my history teacher will be very proud, as will the landlord at my local pub,” added Brereton.